Warburton. Not only does it feel like you’ve stepped back in time you additionally take a few paces back on the thermometer too as you roll into town. It’s cool. Figuratively and literally. Whether it’s Boinga Bob’s abstract art house - I’ve never been able to reconcile if it’s a classic mess or a messy classic. But certainly tres cool. Or the Yarra river, cool verging on icy. Even in the middle of summer. Warburton is a retreat from the heat. The hustle. It was where you would go to socially distance before that was a thing. And as a result, has all the beauty - and trappings - that a region like that can offer.
With a mountain bike trail network attempting to secure funding, there’s a growing recognition that Warburton is on the cusp of becoming a new hotspot of all forms of cycling. The Giro Della Donna gran fondo has been run successfully out of the town for more than half a decade and Mt Donna Buang (whose base the town is built around) is popular with road cyclists all year round. The Ol’ Dirty gravel/all road ride was held in the surrounding area in 2019. And mountain bikers quietly have been making use of the modest single-track network/aqueduct roads.
Where to ride
Another advantage of the region is it really does cater for all types of bicycles. Causal rides. Dirt rides. Road rides. While the sealed road is a ‘little’ limited the scope is not.
Road: impossible to miss Donna Buang. It starts at the caravan park a stone’s throw from town and with just over 1000m of vertical gain it’s especially majestic on a late summer afternoon after the drive out. Just beware of wildlife when descending near dawn or dusk. Oh, and the mosquitoes can do a bit of damage too.
Reefton Spur. A staircasing type climb, this begins roughly 25km out of town, due east. There is only one sealed main road to take and you turn left at the reservoir. Another failsafe ride route. It does mean though you’ll be sharing the road with anywhere from one to one hundred 4-wheel drives. With a flanking squadron of motorcycles. Ride outside of peak times or on a weekday and you can have occasions where you’ll count the number of cars passing on one hand. Before bushfires ravaged it in 2019 it had some of the most majestic tree-framed windows out across the Yarra Ranges. It is still beautiful and the descent - with the flowing corners - an all-time classic. One of my favourite climbs in Victoria. And especially mystical on a foggy summer morning.
Lake Mountain. Accessed either across the plateau after climbing Reefton Spur or done in full from Marysville. The latter you can either drive to (boring) or access by climbing up Mt Donna Bunag to Cement Creek then taking Acheron Way (much more exciting). Either way you’re not reaching Lake Mountain without some climbing in the legs - and, if via Acheron Way, some road bike capable gravel. It’s also sneaky high, peaking at just over 1400m. If it’s a cool day you’ll want a gilet for the descent.
Black Spur. Absolutely stunning. Only, in what feels like a cruel joke, there is also no shoulder to the road. While the Mountain Ash might stand like a guard of honour around you, they are powerless when it comes to keeping you safe from the caravans that frequent the road. Recommendation would be to either ride down it (to Healesville) or up it very early morning.
Dirt: with everything from single-track to gravel roads the surrounding eucalypt forest is a veritable playground for off-road riding. Gravel riders again need to keep in mind 4WD drivers will be across the roads and tracks, especially in the holiday season. The 2019 Ol’ Dirty route is also borderline required a hardtail MTB to get around, so proceed with caution - and wide tyres - on a gravel bike. As for the rest. Charge the GPS unit. Take more water than you need and proceeded to experience some of the most enjoyable social distancing you could hope for.
Casual/with the kids: the rail trail runs from Lilydale to Warbuton and is perfect to take the bikes casually along. Either with the kids or with a picnic, with ample grass space and scattered picnic tables. There’s the pioneer museum at Yarra Junction, right on the trail. With the town providing ample spots for lunch or some liquid refreshments.
The great irony of features on cosy little towns is that they have the real potential to amplify positively wonderful they are to visit. Putting at risk those features that made them so appealing. Warburton hasn’t caved in yet to the urban sprawl. For now it’s one of Victoria’s best kept secrets when it comes to a cycling getaway.